July 14, Bastille Day, found the Marines swimming in the Marne. Cannons seemed louder this day toward Rheims. That night, 9-inch shells began dropping in Croutte-sur-Marne. The eastern sky was aflame with gun flashes.

WE MUST BE GOING SOMEWHERE

Beans for breakfast. At dusk, bugles blew, "Assembly." The companies started down the river road and met other outfits. "Where are you tramps going?" "Don't know, and don't care, but you notice we're leading as usual."